obliging 1 of 2

as in friendly
willing to do a favor an obliging concierge used her pull to get us reservations at the town's hottest restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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obliging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of oblige

Synonym Chooser

How is the word obliging distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of obliging are amiable, complaisant, and good-natured. While all these words mean "having the desire or disposition to please," obliging stresses a friendly readiness to be helpful.

our obliging innkeeper found us a bigger room

When is it sensible to use amiable instead of obliging?

The words amiable and obliging can be used in similar contexts, but amiable implies having qualities that make one liked and easy to deal with.

an amiable teacher not easily annoyed

When might complaisant be a better fit than obliging?

While in some cases nearly identical to obliging, complaisant often implies passivity or a yielding to others because of weakness.

was too complaisant to protest a decision he thought unfair

In what contexts can good-natured take the place of obliging?

The meanings of good-natured and obliging largely overlap; however, good-natured implies cheerfulness or helpfulness and sometimes a willingness to be imposed upon.

a good-natured girl who was always willing to pitch in

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of obliging
Adjective
Starting April 15, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas will require prior authorization before covering certain asthma treatments in clinics, obliging patients to self-inject the drugs at home. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2025 That now prove riskier given that screen quotas, obliging cinema theaters to open Argentine films, were also rescinded last year. John Hopewell, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025 But if Graeber couldn’t maintain an occupation of the present, perhaps the past would make a more obliging subject. Walter Scheidel, Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2022 On the other end of Blake Street, 39-year-old Marvin McCullough is more obliging to the brigade of journalists parked outside his home. Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for obliging
Recent Examples of Synonyms for obliging
Adjective
  • Her willpower wobbling, the 37-year-old nurse and mother of three pushed her shopping cart forward, giving the friendly salesman a wide berth.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Adopted in 2020, the Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities created a classification system for business and investors to know what activities are considered green or climate friendly.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That being said, other iPhone 13 Pro Max users will appreciate this bag’s accommodating nature.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Known as 504 plans, the popular system for accommodating students in school are geared for kids who do qualify for help under disability plans known as IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Pressuring or coercing someone into ending their life would be punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
    Alistair Smout, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
  • That same sentence will remain for anyone found guilty of tricking, pressuring or coercing someone into making the choice if the bill is ultimately passed.
    David Hodari, NBC News, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Nicholas has since let go of the fear of appeasing the beauty standards of others.
    Celeste Polanco, Essence, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Knee-jerk reactions aimed at appeasing stakeholders can backfire, raising questions about whether initiatives are genuine or simply for show.
    Anjali Chaudhry, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas These sheet pan chicken fajita quesadillas are a hassle-free way to make a crowd-pleasing meal without standing over the stove.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Instead, lean into what feels good, and if that’s pleasing your boo above all else, that may tell you something.
    Quispe López, Them, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Just remember to label your edibles clearly and let everyone know the potency before indulging.
    Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025
  • In America, self-control is framed as a personal choice — a way to get in shape or prove mental toughness before indulging again.
    Julie Cobalt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The successful outcome for Perpetua Resources is especially impressive given the complex nature of the federal, state, and local permitting process, as well as the work involved in satisfying the concerns of local communities and the Nez Perz Tribe.
    David Blackmon, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
  • The palate is beautifully balanced, smooth, and rich with nutty undertones, while the finish is fabulously elegant, leaving a rich, satisfying sensation.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Obliging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/obliging. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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